WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Phase Two of West Palm's Clematis Streetscape Project began in mid-May and sidewalk upgrades and road construction is currently being made within the 100 and 200 blocks of Clematis Street.
Today, the city unrolled its newest strategy to lure pedestrian traffic impacted by construction. It’s called iCONEic.
Bruce Sutka is the artist behind 'Breakfast at Coney and Company' unveiled in the store window of Pioneer Linens on Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach. The display installed Thursday is part of iCONEic; a unique way to market businesses impacted by sidewalk repairs. All 35 businesses will have cones created that are iconic to their individual services to display in their windows.
“Actually nobody has done anything like this in the country – this is a major installation piece using construction cones as art pieces,” said Sutka, artist, and designer for West Palm’s iCONEic. “The city wants to create interest in the street while the Streetscape is being done.”
City officials are also encouraging the public to take photographs with the cones located at each respective business to share on social media to increase brand visibility.
“Improvements need to be made periodically, but the businesses really need to be supported,” said Mary Pinak, community events manager for City of West Palm Beach.
It’s support businesses like Batch New Southern Kitchen and Tap says they need. Paige Leek, director of training for the casual dining restaurant and says she estimates a decrease of 30-percent in customers and construction doesn’t help.
“Of course, short-term right now it’s painful. But we know long-term come October when it’s all said and done, we’re going to have a beautiful streetscape,” Leek said.
City officials anticipate iCONEic displays on Clematis Street to be visible to the public until early August.
